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PIE → GRR
Which side of the plane to sit from St Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (St. Petersburg) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico coastline during departure and provides the best angle for spotting the Lake Michigan shoreline during the final approach into Grand Rapids.
Florida Suncoast
Breathtaking views of the turquoise Gulf waters and the barrier islands of Pinellas County immediately after takeoff.
Suwannee River Valley
The winding, dark waters of the historic Suwannee River set against the dense pine forests of the Florida Panhandle.
Louisville & Ohio River
As the flight crosses into Indiana, look for the urban sprawl of Louisville and the wide, industrial Ohio River.
Midwestern Grids
The perfectly square sections of Indiana and Michigan farmland create a beautiful geometric quilt of greens and browns.
Lake Michigan Horizon
On the descent into GRR, the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan is often visible to the west, especially on clear days.
For the best experience, choose an afternoon flight to catch the sun reflecting off the Gulf of Mexico. In the winter, the left side provides the best view of the 'lake effect' cloud banks rolling in from Lake Michigan. If the flight path takes a western arrival route, you may see the sand dunes of Muskegon.
Tampa Bay & Skyway
A sweeping view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the metropolitan skylines of St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Appalachian Foothills
While passing over Tennessee and Kentucky, the eastern horizon features the rolling blue ridges of the Appalachian range.
River Traffic
Observe the massive commercial barges navigating the winding Tennessee and Cumberland river systems.
Grand Rapids Suburbs
A detailed view of the growing Grand Rapids metropolitan area and the Grand River during the final landing phase.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It offers a better perspective of the inner Tampa Bay area upon departure. Keep an eye out for the distinct change in terrain from the flat Florida peninsula to the hilly regions of the South.
Distance: 1,684 km (1,046 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 15 min
Departure: PIE (27.91020012, -82.68740082)
Arrival: GRR (42.88079834, -85.52279663)
Route Type: Domestic
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